The Awesome Truro Cathedral in Cornwall

After our stay at Mevagissey, we headed further west towards Penzance. It wasn’t a long drive and we had time to visit Truro and their cathedral. I’ve been looking forward to seeing some of the cathedrals on our travels. I love the architecture and the artistry of them, and the stories. They are awesome in the true sense of the word.

We found a car-park building in Truro, and then some shops and finally the cathedral. Walking into somewhere like this takes a while to adjust to the change in light and the change in atmosphere. It is instantly calming, and relaxing. It’s hard not to exhale; to let the troubles of the world out. The designer’s intent was to create a building “that would bring people soonest to their knees”. It mightn’t exactly do that for me, but it certainly pulled me up.

Truro Cathedral entrance

Detail of Truro Cathedral

The Nave, looking towards the West Rose window and the entrance

The Nave, looking towards the High Altar, Truro Cathedral

Truro Cathedral

The ceiling above the Crossing – Truro Cathedral

The High Altar at Truro Cathedral

Some of the many lovely windows Truro Cathedral

Truro Cathedral – detail

Truro Cathedral – detail

Construction of the Truro Cathedral began in 1880. It had been over 600 years since a new Cathedral had last been built in England. When construction began on this one, no one knew if finances would ever allow the Cathedral to be completed. So it really was an act of faith.

It was designed by John Loughborough Pearson. Looking at the detail in the last photo above, I can hardly imagine the skill and artistry involved in a wonderful merging of engineering and art. Then there was Edward White Benson, whose drive and enthusiasm first saw the Diocese created, and then the start of the Cathedral building. He went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury, remaining so until his death in 1896. Sadly he didn’t get to see the Cathedral completed.

The windows were the largest stained glass project ever conceived. They are considered to be some of the finest Victorian stained glass in England, if not the world. They are magnificent.

There are many other extraordinary details; too many to take in or to relate. It was a wonderful place to visit, and we were pleased we did.

6 Responses to The Awesome Truro Cathedral in Cornwall

Thank you Ross and Wyn, your photos and narrative are amazing! We didn’t get Truro Cathderal then we did our UK trip, so abonus being able to see it here.
Enjoy the rest of your trip
Grant and Smillie H

Thank you Grant and Smillie. There’s a big collection of Cathedrals over here, and you’d be forever trying to get around them all. And then you’d never remember them anyway. We’re trying to be selective with cathedrals and castles and gardens and medieval villages and thatched cottages …. Crikey! There’s a lot to see in this place. 🙂

Thanks Nicola. And woohoo… You go for it. Blogs are fun – they have better long-term memory, and more room for creative writing. Have you started yet? Let me know where to find it/you, it’ll be good to see.

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